Training is still high on employers’ agendas despite the financial situation.

Seven in 10 employers said it remained a high priority, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Almost half (46%) of the 900 surveyed said that their economic/funding situation had worsened, but only a third (32%) said that their funding for training had been cut this year.

However, around 36% expect funding to decline next year.

Training fleet managers is still high on the agenda for many companies with the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) courses proving popular.

The Fast Track Certificate Programme was a sell out earlier this year.

“Our experience thus far is that all of our courses are still being well supported,” said ICFM chairman Roddy Graham.

“But it is early days and history suggests that when things get tough training doesn’t tend to be priority.”

However, there are signs that a slowdown may be beginning.

While the fast track course was a sell out, the ICFM has delayed the start of its next fast track course because it is still a couple of candidates short.

“We do have four pending applicants but they are struggling to get their employers to fund the training,” said Graham.